Planning your trip to Manitoba or Northwest Ontario

THE WEATHER
The Summer days are generally warm with cooler temperatures in the evenings, but you should be prepared for all types of weather. Lighter clothing is essential, but a sweatshirt, long pants, rain gear and a comfortable pair of shoes are a good idea. Fall days can be brutally cold. Parkas, hats, mitts and warm boots are all necessities. Be prepared for temperatures that are below 0 F. Spring weather can be changeable be prepared for temperatures that may go below 0.F. It's better to have appropriate and enough clothing rather than not enough!  

HEADING FOR THE BORDER
with these border crossing regulations in mind
Canada is close and accessible, but it's easy to forget it's a foreign country. Being a foreign country it has its share of border crossing regulations. Don't worry about crossing the border. It is a smooth procedure if you're able to follow directions. Scan this page before you head North, and contact Canada Customs, 1-800-461-9999, if you need more information. 

ENTERING CANADA
Citizens or legal, permanent residents of the United States do not require passports or visas and can usually cross the U.S.- Canada border without difficulty or delay. To assist Canada Customs officers and U.S. Border guards in expediting the process, especially to reenter the United States, native-born U.S. citizens should carry a birth, baptismal, or voter's certificate. Proof of residence may also be required. Naturalized U.S. citizens should carry a naturalization certificate or other evidence of citizenship. Legal, permanent residents of the United States who are not U.S. citizens are advised to carry their Alien Reg. Receipt Card (U.S. Form 1-151 or Form 1-551). Persons under 18 years of age who are not accompanied by an adult should bring a letter from a parent or guardian giving them permission to enter Canada. 

PERSONS WHO ARE INADMISSIBLE TO CANADA
Persons who have been convicted of a CRIMINAL OFFENCE in ANY COUNTRY may be INADMISSIBLE TO CANADA as a result of their criminal record. Even persons who do not require a Visa to enter Canada may still be refused permission to enter Canada if they are MEMBERS OF AN INADMISSIBLE CLASS.

INADMISSIBLE CLASSES:
Members of Inadmissible Classes include those who have been convicted of MINOR OFFENCES (including shoplifting, theft, assault, dangerous driving, unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of illegal substances, etc.), or of INDICTABLE CRIMINAL OFFENCES (including assault with a deadly weapon, manslaughter, etc.). As well, those who have been convicted of DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED (DWI) are considered Members of an Inadmissible Class. Driving while under the influence of alcohol is regarded as an extremely serious offence in Canada.

Those who have received TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS (including parking/speeding tickets, etc.) and other minor violations (i.e. littering, etc.) most likely will NOT be prohibited from entering Canada. Similarly, those who have JUVENILE CONVICTIONS (convictions for crimes committed while under age 18) most likely will NOT be prohibited from entering Canada unless they could have been tried as an adult for their offences.

TEMPORARY RESIDENT PERMIT, APPROVALS OF REHABILITATION, AND PERMISSION TO RETURN TO CANADA:
Those who have been convicted of an offence OUTSIDE CANADA, and have had 5 years elapse since the termination of the custodial portion (if any) of the sentence imposed (not the sentence served), may apply for a Minister'sAPPROVAL OF REHABILITATION . The Minister's Approval will permanently remove the inadmissibility caused by conviction.

If less than 5 years have elapsed, or if persons are only seeking entry to Canada for a single or limited period, then they may apply for a TEMPORARY RESIDENT PERMIT .Those subject of a previous DEPORTATION ORDER FROM CANADA requirePERMISSION TO RETURN TO CANADA before they can enter Canada. As well, those who have been subject of an EXCLUSION ORDER within the past 12 months require Permission to Return to Canada before they can re-enter Canada.

**NOTE: In general, applications for Minister's Permits, Approvals of Rehabilitation and Minister's Consent take into consideration the nature of the offenses committed by the applicant, the number of offenses on the applicant's record, the length of time since the last offense, reports from parole or probation officers, the purpose for which entry into Canada is sought, and the applicant's standing in the community.

APPLYING FOR A TEMPORARY RESIDENT PERMIT, APPROVAL OF REHABILITATION, OR PERMISSION TO RETURN TO CANADA:
Persons may apply for a Temporary Resident Permit, Approval of Rehabilitation, or Permission to Return to Canada either in Canada or at one these CANADIAN VISA

OFFICES IN THE UNITED STATES:

• The Canadian Consulate General in BUFFALO, NY
• The Canadian Consulate General in NEW YORK, NY
• The Canadian Consulate General in DETROIT, MI
• The Canadian Consulate General in LOS ANGELES, CA
• The Canadian Consulate General in SEATTLE, WA
• The Canadian Consulate General in WASHINGTON, DC

**NOTE: Be sure to visit the website of the Canadian Visa Office that will be processing your application to confirm hours of operation, processing times, documents/forms required, and other instructions. Application Forms may be obtained from the above offices.

DOCUMENTATION THAT MAY BE REQUIRED BY A CANADIAN VISA OFFICE TO PROCESS TEMPORARY RESIDENT PERMIT OR APPROVAL OF REHABILITATION APPLICATIONS:

• POLICE CERTIFICATES from the jurisdictions where the applicant has lived since his/her 18 birthday (or for the last 10 years).
• THE APPLICANT'S OWN STATEMENT OF CIRCUMSTANCES leading up to his/her conviction.
• COURT RECORDS relating to the applicant's conviction(s).
• REPORTS OF PROBATION OR PAROLE OFFICERS.
• A COPY OF THE STATUTE under which the applicant was convicted.
• THREE LETTERS FROM PERSONS OF STANDING IN THE COMMUNITY who know the applicant personally, and who can attest to the applicant's rehabilitation.

ENTRY BY PRIVATE VEHICLE
The entry of vehicles and vacation trailers into Canada for touring purposes is generally a quick and routine matter. Customs permits, if required, are issued at the time of entry. Rental vehicles or trailers are also admissible, however the vehicle registration forms should be carried together with a copy of the rental agency. Visitors entering Canada with vehicles not registered to themselves should carry a letter from the owner indicating authorized use of the vehicle.  

PERSONAL BAGGAGE
Visitors may bring personal baggage into Canada duty-and tax-free, provided all such items are declared to Canadian Customs on arrival and are not subject to restriction. Personal baggage may include such items as fishing tackle, boats, motors, snowmobiles, camping, golf, tennis and scuba diving gear, radios, television sets, cameras and other similar items to be used in Canada during the visit. Alcoholic beverages may be brought into Canada duty-free if visitors meet the minimum age requirement of the province or territory of entry (19 years in British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Yukon and Saskatchewan; 18 years in Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec). The amount cannot exceed 1.1 litres (40 ounces) of liquors or wine, or 24 x 355 ml (12 ounce) cans or bottles of beer, ale or their equivalent. Additional quantities of alcoholic beverages, up to a maximum of nine litres (two gallons) may be imported into Canada, except Northwest Territories), upon payment of duty and taxes plus provincial fees at the port of entry. Persons 18 years of age in most jurisdictions, but 19 years in Newfoundland, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario and British Columbia, may import 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes, and 2 lbs. of manufactured tobacco duty free. Federal duty and taxes apply to additional quantities. Subject to some restrictions, visitor may bring food with them for their own use, without Customs assessment, provided the quantity is consistent with the duration and nature of the visitor's stay. Gasoline and oil brought into Canada for consumption is dutiable. Reasonable quantities for tourist use such as gas and oil used to the normal capacity of the vehicle are granted free entry. 

ALCOHOL
The legal age limit to consume alcohol in Ontario is 19 and 18 in Manitoba. Please note: Drinking any alcoholic beverages is illegal while fishing in a boat on our lakes and rivers. We DO NOT allow our Guides to drink on the job and we ask that our guests NOT request alcohol while on the water. 

SALES TAX
Two taxes are charged in Manitoba and Ontario 
* 1. Provincial Sales Tax (PST) at 8% MB. and 8% ONT. 
* 2. Goods and Services Tax (GST) at 5%

PLANTS AND ANIMALS
All animals, plants, vegetables, fruit and meat (and any product of these) must be declared to Canadian Customs upon entry to the country and accompanied by import documentation when required and must pass inspection. 

RADAR DETECTION DEVICES
The possession and use of radar detection services are illegal in Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Newfoundland, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Yukon. It is suggested these units be rendered inoperative and placed inside luggage when visitors are traveling through Canada. In Quebec and Ontario, it is illegal to possess these types of devices. 

RETURNING TO THE STATES
It is the responsibility of travelers to satisfy U.S. customs authorities of their rights to reenter the United States, through some form of identification. Reentry can be simplified if travelers keep a list of all purchases, have sales receipts and invoices handy, and pack purchases separately for inspection. 

POSTAL SERVICE
Canadian postal stamps must be used on all mail posted in Canada. Postage stamps can be purchased at post offices and automatic vending machines. 

MAPS AND CHARTS
Provincial and territorial highway maps may be obtained from tourist information offices. Maps and charts are available from: 

CANADA MAP OFFICES

Federal Maps Inc. 
52 Antares Drive, Unit #1 
Nepean, Ontario 
K2E 7Z1 

Telephone: (613) 723-6366 or 1-888-545-8111 
Fax: (613) 723-6995 
E-mail: fedmaps@fedmaps.com 
Web Site: http://www.fedmaps.com/ 

World of Maps Inc. 
1235 Wellington Street 
Ottawa, Ontario 
K1Y 3A3 

Telephone: (613) 724-6776 or 1-800-214-8524 
Fax: (613) 724-7776 or 1-800-897-9969 
E-mail: info@worldofmaps.com 
Web Site: http://www.worldofmaps.com/

Manitoba Conservation 
Product Distribution 
1007 Century Street 
Winnipeg, Manitoba 
R3H 0W4 

Telephone: (204) 945-6666 or 1-877-627-7226 
Fax: (204) 945-1365 
E-mail: mapsales@gov.mb.ca 
Web Site: http://www.canadamapsales.com/

MANITOBA FISHING LICENCES Manitoba has two classes of licences - regular and conservation. A conservation licence is intended for anglers who keep reduced limits of fish. Licences are valid from date of issue to April 30 of the following year. All licence fees listed include 5% GST. For additional information, you may contact Manitoba Natural Resources at 1-800-214-6497. Or please e-mail us at cateye_outfitter@yahoo.ca. Manitoba licences are not valid in National Parks.

Definitions:

• youths less than 16 year of age do not require a licence
• seniors aged 65 or over who have resided in Manitoba for 6 months prior to the licence issue date must obtain a seniors conservation licence at no charge. To keep a regular limit of fish, a regular angling licence is required
• native people do not require a licence
• Non-Resident people are defined as individuals who do not reside in Canada

The following sportfishing licences are available in Manitoba:

• Manitoba resident - $25.08 (including GST)
  Manitoba resident conservation - $19.19 (incl. GST)
  Canadian resident - $47.65 (incl. GST)
  Canadian resident conservation - $28.02 (incl. GST)
  Foreign resident - $62.37 (incl. GST)
  Foreign resident conservation - $37.84 (incl. GST)